Ever heard of the ‘Christmas Book Flood’, related to the island nation famous for geysers, hot springs, lava fields and volcanoes? I’m talking about Iceland and no, I hadn’t heard about it either. However, it was so fascinating that I had to share it here, especially since it’s Christmas time.

‘The country has more writers, more books published and more books read, per head, than anywhere else in the world… One in 10 Icelanders will publish (a book),’ claims an article from the BBC. And hence, the Icelanders must have decided that the best way to spread the Yuletide cheer is to exchange books amongst one another in the form of Christmas Eve presents.

‘Jolabokaflod’ – in simpler words the ‘Christmas Book Flood’ – is what we are talking about. In Iceland, tradition has it that you’re meant to celebrate Christmas Eve curled up in bed reading the book you’ve been gifted and eating chocolate (can there and will there ever be a better combination than a book and a chocolate?!). I was so captivated by the idea that beginning this year, we have a brand new Christmas tradition for our family too – books to be gifted to every member one day before Xmas. Because cozy Christmas eves are the best way I can think of to usher in the good times!